Six charged in operating Las Vegas marijuana dispensary

LAS VEGAS – Federal charges were unsealed today against six individuals, including three Californians, for unlawfully operating a marijuana dispensary in Las Vegas and unlawfully distributing marijuana, announced Daniel G. Bogden, U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada.

The indictment was unsealed today at the initial court hearing for defendants Randy Phillips and Michael Dinh. Phillips, Nguyen, Kim, Yim and Dinh have already made initial appearances in court and were released on personal recognizance bonds pending trial.

Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to distribute THC distribution of marijuana, conspiracy to possess with marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, conspiracy to possess THC with the intent to distribute, possession of THC with the intent to distribute, conspiracy to maintain drug-involved premises, and maintaining drug-involved premises.

According to the indictment, beginning on about July 27, 2011, and continuing to Sept. 25, 2012, the defendants maintained the Alternative Solutions Marijuana Dispensary at 6985 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 110, in Las Vegas, for the purpose of distributing marijuana and THC.

Marijuana dispensaries are not recognized under Nevada law, and it is illegal to sell marijuana in Nevada.

If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $1 million.

The investigation is being conducted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Nevada High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber M. Craig.